Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorneys

Where Do Truck Collisions Often Occur in LA?

Los Angeles is home to some of the busiest freight corridors in the world. Truck traffic is concentrated around the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, leading to high-risk zones throughout the metro area. Accidents frequently occur on:

• The I-710 (Long Beach Freeway): Known as the "High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area" for freight, this freeway sees a staggering volume of semi-trucks daily.
• The I-5 (Golden State Freeway): As a primary artery for North-South travel, the I-5 is a common site for long-haul driver fatigue accidents.
• The I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway): Heavy congestion combined with merging trucks makes this one of the most dangerous stretches in the city.
• The SR-60 (Pomona Freeway): This route is heavily utilized by trucks moving goods to and from the Inland Empire warehouses.

What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

The most common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents: Occur when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This often happens due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions.
• Rollover Accidents: Occur when a truck flips onto its side or roof, caused by taking a turn too quickly, overloading, or uneven road surfaces.
• Rear-End Collisions: Involve a truck striking the vehicle in front. Heavy loads and longer stopping distances often lead to these accidents.
• Underride Accidents: Happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities—typically if the truck stops suddenly or if the smaller vehicle follows too closely.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Take place when a truck driver cannot see a vehicle in their large blind spots and changes lanes or turns, causing a collision.
• Tire Blowouts: Result from a tire suddenly losing air pressure, causing the driver to lose control. This can lead to the truck swerving or rolling over.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Happen when a truck swings wide to the left before making a right turn, potentially colliding with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Head-On Collisions: Involve the front ends of two vehicles colliding. These are often the most deadly, especially when one vehicle is a truck because of its size and weight.
• T-Bone Accidents: Occur when the front of a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, often at intersections due to running a red light or failing to yield.
• Lost Load Accidents: Occur when improperly secured cargo falls off the truck, creating hazards for other road users. This can cause multiple vehicle accidents and severe injuries.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Truck accidents often occur because of negligence or unsafe practices. Determining the cause of the crash is a critical step in establishing liability.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue: Truck drivers may work long hours and become dangerously tired behind the wheel.
• Distracted driving: Using phones, navigation devices, or other distractions can lead to collisions.
• Speeding or aggressive driving: Large trucks require longer stopping distances, making speeding particularly dangerous.
• Improper cargo loading: Uneven or unsecured cargo can cause trucks to become unstable.
• Mechanical failures: Poor maintenance can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering issues.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment dramatically increases crash risks.
• Poor weather or road conditions: Rain, fog, and slippery roads can make controlling large trucks more difficult.

A skilled legal team may investigate driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and company policies to determine exactly what caused the crash.